Two founding members of the Ethical Agent Network (EAN) have acquired a majority stake in the organisation, marking a shift in ownership for the industry body launched in March 2024.
Nick Cheshire and Dan Kirby, who operate Nest estate agency in Essex, have purchased the controlling interest in the network, which brings together independent estate and letting agencies committed to specific standards of behaviour and service.
Operational transition
The ownership change follows a six-month period during which Cheshire and Kirby took an increasingly active role in developing the network. During this time, they introduced Mini Masterminds, new guides, a member application, and improvements to member content and support.
The pair will assume control of day-to-day operations and future development of the EAN. Founder Jerry Lyons will remain with the organisation as head of PR and Community Consultancy.
Lyons disclosed that he received two offers for the business, with one exceeding the amount accepted from Cheshire and Kirby. ‘I had two offers for the business, and, for complete transparency, one was for more money,’ Lyons said. ‘But I’ve worked with Nick and Dan for years. I trust them, they understand estate agency deeply and they genuinely believe in what the EAN stands for.’
Industry context
The transaction occurs as estate agencies face evolving technological demands and economic pressures affecting the UK property market.
Cheshire stated that the decision to invest was driven by alignment with the network’s values. ‘We became founding members because its values reflected how we believe estate agencies should operate,’ he said. ‘When the opportunity came along to invest more of our time and money in the business and help shape its future, we wanted to take it.’
The EAN membership comprises independent estate agencies across the UK. The new owners have indicated plans to expand membership and work on public perception of agents, though specific growth targets or membership numbers were not disclosed.
